The Senate has unanimously approved amendments intended to modernise the land valuation process.

The Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2015, tabled by Lynn Woolridge, is largely intended to update the existing legislation.

Among its modifications to property law, the legislation allows for the Land Valuation Tribunal to consider a unit’s market rental value in assessing objections.

Taxpayers will be able to challenge the draft valuation list using market rental evidence.

Opposition Senate Leader Diallo Rabain said he fully supported the legislation, but questioned if it would be possible for government to release a “cheat sheet” explaining in layman’s terms how land valuations are determined, noting that there are occasions were two nearby properties that appear similar in size can have different values set.

His comments were later echoed by independent senator James Jardine.

Sen Woolridge responded that the government is already in the process of updating the department’s internet portal, and a “cheat sheet” as described by Sen Rabain is in the works.

• Meanwhile, the Bermuda Government has paid out a total of $15.8 million to lawyers in the past two fiscal years.

The figures were revealed by Finance Minister Bob Richards, in response to questions from Progressive Labour Party Member of Parliament Derrick Burgess. They include legal aid, as well as retainers and settlements.